Fancies: Fancy-shape market stable, driven by US and European demand for
fashion jewelry. Ovals are best sellers, followed by Emeralds, Cushions and
Pears. Supply shortage supporting prices for Pears. Radiants improving.
Marquises and Princesses weak. Oversizes selling well. Steady demand for
fine-quality 6 to 10 ct. Ovals, Pears and Emeralds, with prices firming for 3
to 5 ct. due to shortages. Chinese consumers seeking fancy shapes at better
prices. US supporting market for commercial-quality, medium-priced fancies
under 1 ct. Off-make, poorly cut fancies illiquid and hard to sell, even at
very deep discounts.

United States: Dealers slowly returning from New
Year vacation; stronger trading expected from next week. Mixed feedback about holiday
selling season. Good demand and short supply of excellent-cut VS2-SI1 diamonds.
Jewelers note busy January, with a lot of repair work and gift-card purchases.
Steady sales of engagement rings ahead of Valentine’s Day.

Israel: Companies uncertain about prospects
for year ahead. Optimism for US demand, caution about China. Subdued local
trading amid unease about new tax laws, with some companies considering
relocating. Dealers bargain-hunting rather than focusing on niche specialties.Polished inventory levels stable compared to last year.

India: Slow trading, with few foreign purchasers
in the Mumbai market. Buyers selective, but having difficulty finding the right
goods at the right price. Suppliers maintaining stable prices on fresh supply,
but have a lot of older merchandise in stock. Manufacturers keeping production
below capacity for now, as concerns about profitability persist. Banks raising
collateral requirements, with liquidity crunch expected through the end of the
fiscal year on March 31.